Overview of the Trip and Suggestions

I guess the first impressions of Iceland was the fact that one paid for everything and most things were very expensive. Here are some tips when visiting Iceland.

01. Many hotels have city buses as transportation from the airport. Depending on the weather, one walks blocks to the buses in the middle of a parking lot, no coverings in case of snow or rains. Several stops and no handicapped on/off provided. This is cheapest for the hotels, about $40.00. This is fine if the weather is alright and you can drag your luggage off buses that are high off the ground.

02. A taxi would be the best bet depending on the weather and your capability to board a bus with luggage. Price is around $165.00.

03. The local bus station is interesting. I went to the bathroom and a man was climbing over a fence by the bathroom door. He told me he was not going to pay 500 K ($4.00) just to take a pee. I had my bags so had to pay.

04. Be sure if you are a breakfast person, to include breakfast in you hotel pricing. My hotel charged $40.00 for a breakfast. It was a normal breakfast but not sure if worth $40.00.

05. Tours started at the main bus terminal so one might have to take a cab for $20.00 each way. Some do walk it but one must cross busy streets and so on.

06. My hotel had a bakery/cafe and many went there for breakfast or lunch. Many young people working on their laptops. Dinners were probably over $100.00. I had for my birthday, a Ceasers Salad, French Fries and a white wine, $80.00. I was given a Creme Brulee for a free birthday present.

07. One should go to a local shop and buy things to eat. The rooms in the hotels have free coffee or tea in the rooms. This way, one can have a drink and something to eat at a nominal cost.

08. You might want to rent a car for a day or two. Easier and quicker than a tour bus and easy to get around, roads are excellent. Depends on the cost and petrol.

09. Be sure to have water proof shoes and jackets in case of rain. It might be wet or muddy at the various view locations. Also take a universal plug as the electrical outlets are different then in the U.S.A. The hotel might have a plug but still, one can order online for a mominal cost.

10. The airport is a piece of work. You get your ticket, then told which terminal to go to. Mine was D. They tell you to stay in the food courts or the shopping areas. I wondered why. Of course, it is to spend money. There isn't any seating at the gates. You have to sit near a video screen and check for a gate number. They announce the gate number an hour befor take off, mine was Gate 15 D. If you go too early you just stand there, no seats. No possibility of seniors getting on first. A bus comes by and one has to get on the bus, then get off and climb very steep steel steps to the airplane.

11. Also of interest, I wondered why some people had blankets in their carry on luggage. JetBlue and other airlines now are charging for a blanket to keep warm! You can get a soft drink or coffee for free and chips. Otherwise, even on a six hour flight, everything else costs. A ham sandwich $13.00. A cheese dip plate and three crackers, $12.00. Better to have a glass of wine and then try to sleep.

These are just a few tips and I hope they give you a minium overview of how things work in Iceland. I believe there are only 400,000 people in the country so need to make money where ever possible to pay for universal health care and infratructure costs due to earthquakes and volcanic actions.

Trip Planning

My traveling companion Virginia, sent me a link for a quick trip to Iceland. It is only a three day trip, a one day tour, but I might take it just so I can celebrate my 85th birthday in Iceland. The cost looks like around $2,000.00 or so. There is a longer stay but may cost a lot more as I would go as a single supplement traveler! Still, flight from San Francisco to Iceland, a hotel and a day tour, not too bad a cost for going to such a far away island!

Winter in San Francisco

As you can see, I love to celebrate the winter season even if San Francisco only gets a few snow flakes every 30 years or so! When I was living on Twin Peaks around 1978 or so, it actually snowed about five inches, the hill looked like Switzerland!

85th Birthday

My 85th birthday is fast approaching and I wondered if I could actually go on a short trip to celebrate another milestone in my life. I am going to Norway in April on the Queen Mary 2 for a quick get-a-way for a week. I did see some trips to various locations in the states end up costing as much as taking a trip to other locations. Time will tell if I go to to Iceland, one on my bucket listing!

Birthdays Around the World

As you can see, I have had birthdays all over the world. Iceland has been on my bucket list and it seems like a great way to celebrate my 85th birthday!

Map of World Travels

Countries Visited so Far

I have been traveling all over the world. I have been so lucky!

Glaciers Around the World

Here I am at the Serrano Glacier, one of only two I have been to in 1999 at the tip of South America. It was on a cruise on the M/V Terra Australis from Punta Arenas Chile to Ushuaia Argentina on the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel around the island of Tierra del Fuego. Ending up in Argentina and Patagonia! Ushuaia Argentina is the farthest south of any city in the world and I have been there!

I also saw glaciers along the coast of Alaska when I took a cruise from Anchorage to Seattle. Hopefully I will see some on my next cruise to Norway!

The Serrano Glacier at the tip of South America!

I had completed the cruise both ways on the Strait of Magellan!

The Glacier Bay Glacier along the west coast of Alaska.

Vacation Booked 11.21.2024 - GVV1760481

Iceland Electric Sockets/Outlets & Adapters

Icelandic Money - Krona

Iceland does not use or accept Euros, Iceland isn't part of the European Union. We always recommend paying for everything using ISK, regardless of wether or not other currencies are accepted. You will only be able to pay with an icelandic Krona or debit/credit card at most places.

For some reason I didn't read up on Icelandic monies and went to the bank and got Euros. Back home and I did a search and found out they do not use US Dollars or Euros. I thought this was very strange. So I don't need the Euros and wonder now, about what monies to use on my other trip to Norway.

Trudave Rubber Boots (For Men)

I haven't had winter or rain boots for years and end up in San Francisco with wet and cold feet. Go figure. I decided to buy winter or rainy weather boots but none of the local stores seemed to have them so like most people living in San Francisco, bought them online at Amazon. We have driverless taxis and most people in my apartment building, over 400 units, ages from 20 to 90, do most of our shopping online.

I have to laugh, two types of jobs now in our City. Highly paid tech jobs and many jobs delivering packages, foods and so on. One extreme or another. Deliveries on motor bikes or trucks, even in nasty cold and rainy days. Most tech workers are at home working, even have a sandwich and a coffee delivered. When making $60.00 and hour or more, don't waste time making a sandwich, pay $20.00 for a sandwich and drink, plus a tip.

I hope these work out in Iceland as they are slip proof, just what I need at 85.

Visa Requirments

Travellers from the EU, EEA, the USA, Canada and Australia are all permitted to enter Iceland visa free. They are then allowed to travel freely for up to 90 days. Each passport should be valid for at least three months. Visitors from the US, Canada and Australia should also have an onward travel ticket upon arrival.

Visas Stamped in the Passport - 2025

I was at the counter when leaving Iceland and told the woman security as she stamped my passport, my newest passport of four years hasn't had any other country stamp it. All the pages are blank. She laughed, she said security was told that in a few years everything about using a passport would be electronic. No more stamping. She wasn't sure why they even had people at the stations, as now, one just looks at a camera and places the passport on a reader and the data base checks and approves or flags you and refused to let you go beyong the gate.

2024 - Up-to-date COVID & FLU Vaccinations

The VA Hosital ensures that we military members are kept up to date on all of our necessary vaccinations! The flu vaccinations is given every autumn as soon as it is available. The same with the COVID vaccination, if a new varient is a new drug is produced for us to take. I and a friend had COVID on a cruise but we never knew we had it until the doctor's told us! We had no symptoms so the vaccination certainly seems to work. I was 84 and my friend was 97 but we were surprise we had COVID and never knew it!

Hotels - Activities - Hotel Transfers

It looks like Virgin flies to Iceland from San Francisco with a one stop layover! If I do make the trip, more information will be provided!

Itinerary

History of the Iceland Flag

According to a legend told in Andrew Evans's Iceland, a red cloth with a white cross fell from heaven to point out the Danish victory at the Battle of Valdemar in the 13th century. Denmark later used the cross of the flag of Scandinavia as a sign of a divine right. Iceland, on the other hand, continued to use the Christian symbol after independence.

The civilian flag of Iceland has been used as an unofficial symbol since 1913. The flag was officially adopted on June 19, 1915, to represent Iceland, and has been used in international seas since 1 December 1918, when Iceland became a separate kingdom in the family of Scandinavian countries. Other symbolic signs and colors in the flag indicate the natural characteristics of Iceland.

From 1350 onwards, Iceland began to use the coat of arms of a stockfish crowned on the red ground. It was combined with the coat of arms of the Danish kings and was thus part of the Danish Royal standard until this century. At the same time, the Greek royal family was closely related to Denmark, and the rigging was also part of the Greek Royal Flag.

In 1897, an unofficial flag was made with a white cross on a blue field, and this flag became popular until at least the current flag appeared in 1915. Although it was the flag of the Scandinavian cross, it was very similar to the Greek flag, and therefore did not receive official approval.

Overview of Iceland

Iceland means ice country. When it was first discovered by the Vikings, it was given this name because it was covered with glaciers.

There are also about 200 volcanoes in the country. Every year many tourists travel to the country to watch the northern lights. Capital city Reykjavik is the city closest to the polar point in the country.

In addition to the official language of Icelandic, English, and German are among the languages spoken. Icelandic krona is used as currency.

The climate is not very cold according to the latitude circle. Summers are moist and hot, and winters are not too harsh. Northern regions are colder than the south. In June, the sun does not sink for 18 days in the north.

The basis of Icelandic cuisine is fish, lamb, and other natural foods. Randalin is a traditional dessert.

Places to Visit in Iceland

Reykjavik—the capital of Iceland—is known for its late-night clubbing and bars in its center. This largest city is known as the capital of the country. Being famous for the northern lights atmospheric phenomenon, the darker months between the autumn and the spring in the rural area is the best time to visit here. Many visitors come across the country to spot that moment.

This trip only includes a one day tour of the area. One probably would not see too much but one can walk around the main town and it also depends on the weather. Time will tell!

Day 1 - Airport to Hotel in Reykjavik - February 3, 2025

Many of the hotels use a bus system from the airport to downtown. You will have to change buses several times. May not be too close to the hotel so depending on the weather, decide to use the free bus from the hotel or take a taxi for $165.00. The bus is alright if no rain but be careful, you can be stuck out in the rain without any shelter for a long time. Forget handicapped.

I almost fell getting off the bus, water ten inches deep. I fell backwards and two men grabbed me by my shoulders and managed to lift me and my bags and dump me on the sidewalk, was I lucky. Got to the hotel and there were three of us, soaked to the skin.

Eight a.m. and told no rooms until 2 p.m. and we were soaked! I complained and they gave me a free breakfast voucher. Breakfasts not included, $40.00. I see how things will be going money wise!

One of the women clerks was sorry for and found me in the diningroom. I had the shakes I was so tired. She said she upgraded me and had a room available for me as it was my birthday trip! So nice.

I did wonder if the room she gave me was an upgrade, what did the other rooms look like!

You can see the view from my room. One time snow, then rain, wind and lots of mud so be sure to take boots regardless of the time of year.

Clouds were so thick and raining so all the tours for Northern Lights were canceled.

How nice was the woman who got me an updated room you may ask. Here she is giving me a gift and a card. The board had cookies and chocolate brownies. Delicious!

Day 1 - Reykjavik & Northern Lights Tour - February 3, 2025

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

I had to fly 48 hours total to travel to and from Iceland. > A horrible storm hit the island and it rained, snowed, sleeted, hurrican winds and lightning.

I had three tours to take and two were canceled. On Wednesday, the entire country was in lock down due to the trerrble winds.

I was in a taxi on Thursday morning at 8 a.m. that was nine hours early as we didn't know if there were any planes taking off from the airport.

The taxi driver said he had never seen such weather, the wind custs were so strong the car almost was pushed off the highway.

Day 2 - Golden Circle Direct Tour (RE24) - February 4, 2025

We did see the sun one time over a mountain. We were told under the snow was a lava flow created many years ago. We belived him!

We saw the rift cutting across the country but there was so much snow it was hard to see the actual split in the ground. Here is a map of the rift and what it looks like.

The bus/tour guide told us as we slowly drove by the grocery store in the small town of Hverageroi, years ago a developer decided to build the Sunnumork Shopping Center at this location. As they started to build they discovered a fault ran right through the middle of the project. They decided to continue building anyway! After the store was finished the earth of course, moved and cracked the glass in the front door. You now, can stand on both the American and European plates in the grocery store!

This is an electrical generating plant using steam from the earth to create energy. This pipe line carries hot water over 15 K to town for free hot water for heating and bathing!

These horses were brought here by the Vikings and are pure stock. We were told they have five gaits, all other horses have three. They are suppose to be the smoothest riding horse in the world. They are privately owned and there are a lot of horse shows around the country. Farms are nice but most are miles from any place.

Over a two hour drive to see a geyser and then we were told to go shopping and eat at the local store for an hour or so. This was at 2:30 p.m.

Day 2 - Late Lunch and Shopping - February 4, 2025

There were the usual specific items one would see in a country. Lots of sweaters and other clothing and fancy candies and snacks.

There was a replica of a Viking ship full of furs. Everyone had to paw them and feel them and then move on. I didn't get a chance to test them and wondered how much they cost as no one seemed to purchase any of them.

We continued the tour to Oxararfoss but after wasting an hour or more at shopping, it started to snow and blow and then sleet.

Oxararfoss, one of the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. It's located in Thingvellir National Park, famous for being the historical founding site of Iceland's Althingi in 930 AD, the oldest national assembly in the world. The park was designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2014 for its cultural significance. Therefore, despite being frequently visited, Oxararfoss waterfall is not quite the area's main attraction.

This Iceland waterfall descends through a rift in the Oxara river, which eventually flows into Thingvallavatn , the largest lake in Iceland. This waterfall is easy to visit as Thingvellir is part of the Golden Circle, a popular route among Iceland visitors.

Thingvellir is also known for its location between North America's and Eurasia's tectonic plates. As the plates drift apart, many fissures and cracks in the ground can be found in the area. The most famous of these rifts is Silfra fissure, where brave visitors can go on snorkeling tours in the crystal clear water of Silfra.

We continued on the last part of the tour to see the lake. Some of us stayed on the bus as the wind gusts were scary and the weather go even worse and it was dark. The driver had problems driving on the highway back to the city, no visibility, wipers full of sleet. At one point we were going about ten miles an hour. Someone passed us at 50 miles an hour! Scary! I found a taxi at the bus station and got a ride home. Time for a glass of wine!

Day 2 - Chuck's 85th Birthday - February 4, 2025

I have celebrated so many birthdays around the world. One was especially exciting, my 80th birthday in a cruise, starting in Dubai, then Oman, India and Sri Lanka. And now my 85th birthday in 2025 touring Iceland!

I first got a birthday card from the hotel staff. Then a glass of wine before dinner!

My birthday dinner at the hotel was very good. A Seaser Salad, yes, spelled with an S. French Fries and a great dip. And wine of course. The restaurant gave me a Creme Brulee and candle for my birthday. The next two tables cheered me for my birthday.

During dinner my neighbor Trish Facetimed me to wish me a Happy Birthday. She showed me the weather in San Francisco and how bad it was. I laughed, I told her she hasn't seen anything like the storms here in Iceland! I told her to take a screen shot and she said it worked. I did the same, here we are, one in the USA and the other in Iceland! A small world indeed!

Day 3 - Golden Circle Direct Tour - February 5, 2025

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

I had to fly 48 hours total to travel to and from Iceland. A horrible storm hit the island and it rained, snowed, sleeted, hurrican winds and lightning.

I had three tours to take and two were canceled. On Wednesday, the entire country was in lock down due to the trerrble winds.

I was in a taxi on Thursday morning at 8 a.m. that was nine hours early as we didn't know if there were any planes taking off from the airport.

The taxi driver said he had never seen such weather, the wind custs were so strong the car almost was pushed off the highway.

When in doubt, go to the cocktail lounge in the hotel for a great glass of wine and snacks!

As you can see, it isn't very nice to go for a walk so I enjoyed sitting by the fireplace and chatting with the other stranded vacationers. I met a lot of very nice people, mostly from England and the U.S.A.

Day 4 - Hotel Checkout and Shuttle to the Airport - February 6, 2025

This was exciting as I didn't know if the airport was open. Left the hotel at eight a.m. and horrible conditions due to the horrible rain and wind, more like a hurricane with sleet included. Airport was open so happy but then an 8 hour wait. We then had to take a bus to the airplane and climb steep steel steps that were wet. I had an aisle seat in the back so happy. The man next to me and the woman agross the aisle from me were all very friendly and wanted to talk so we had a great time. He lives in New York and she in North Carolina. He said he almost lost control of the rented car he had and thought he was going to die in the lightning storm!

I got to New York and a good thing I took a wheelchair as the same as before, the other terminal was almost a mile away and had to get my luggage and go through Security and have my passort checked again. Almost missed the flight but was very lucky, got a three seat row and no one else in it. I had a bottle of white wine and some cheese and dip plus chips. Everything costs, blankets, you name it. I wondered why some had blankets in their bags, to keep warm and not have to pay for it!

We landed around 12:30 a.m. and I was home at 2:15 a.m. By 2:30 I had my bag unpacked and off to bed. What a trip. What an 85th birthday!

Trip Vouchers

Vouchers for the airport shuttle pickup, hotel and tour reservations.

....................... Trip Vouchers Information ........................

Airline Flight Information

I will be flying JetBlue and Icelandicair for the first time, San Francisco to New York and then to Iceland on February 2nd and 3rd.

....................... Airline Flight Information ........................

Day 4 - San Francisco - February 6, 2025

Back home and my fantastic view of San Francisco from my apartment on the 28th floor of the Fox Plaza Apartments!

Created on 2021.11.04       Updated on 2025.02.10